Do you remember this joke?: April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring? The answer is “pilgrims” for those of you skipped the third grade. Cue eye roll. Anyway – we are headed right into the rainy season as March comes to a close and winter is finally releasing its chilly, chilly grasp. It’s finally time to break out the umbrellas and rain boots! Keep reading to see how to make your rain gear more personal by DIY-ing this painted umbrella (P.S. it’s totally waterproof, too!).
Watch the video to see painting in action, and keep reading for all the details!
Materials
- White umbrella (usually called a wedding umbrella)
- Navy fabric paint
- Paintbrushes
Step
This specific type of paint is the key to the waterproof aspect of this project! Make sure to use a fabric paint that requires washing after application (per the instructions on the bottle). To prep for painting, get a scrap piece of paper or a disposable plate to use as a palette.
Step
Now to start painting! Open the umbrella, and start in the middle. Begin with something easy, like a circle. Paint one panel at a time. Keep your designs simple.
Step
Put a podcast on, and keep working until you have an entirely painted umbrella. Try not to be heavy-handed – using less paint on your brush looks better than more paint. Use simple patterns, like triangle, lines, dashes, and zig-zags.
When your painted umbrella is complete, leave it open to dry overnight. Wash brushes with dish soap. Done!
Since the fabric paint is built to be washed, you don’t need to worry about the paint running!
There’s just a little bit of snow left on the ground here in the Twin Cities, but hopefully a few days of springtime rain will kick it all out of town. Happy spring!
If you’re looking for more painted pattern inspiration, check out these DIY mud cloth curtains!
Looking for more rainy day projects? Make this DIY rain chain for your garden.
This tutorial is fantastic! I love the idea of personalizing an umbrella and the waterproofing tips are super helpful. Can’t wait to try this out and add some color to those rainy days!
This tutorial is absolutely fantastic! I love the idea of turning a regular umbrella into a personalized work of art. Can’t wait to try it out and add some color to rainy days! Thank you for sharing such an inspiring project!